ESC Insight Playlist – December 2020
We’re barely on the precipice of the annual madness that is national selection season, but already the confirmed selected artists and hopefuls are providing a fresh batch of potential entries to mull over. Here are some early contenders that caught our ear…
Ugly Cry, by Victoria (Bulgaria)
Bulgaria’s Victoria has already announced that her intention for this year is to release several singles and select one of them for Rotterdam 2021. The first of these releases, Ugly Cry doesn’t stray too far from her brooding Tears Getting Sober style, but it’s a reassuring sign of her emerging confidence as an artist. Possibly a little low-key for Eurovision, but a promising start…
Voilá, by Barbara Pravi (France)
There are no really big names in this year’s French national selection, but of all the artists on the lineup, Barbara Pravi has some of the strongest credentials, with a well received 2019 album and a duet with Scottish hitmaker Calum Scott already under her belt. This Edith Piaf-esque chanson is classic France, and could play very well with the juries with a few judicious production upgrades.
Karma, by Anxhela Peristeri (Albania)
There’s a lot to be said for playing to your strengths at Eurovision, and when it comes to sending doughty divas bellowing dramatically into a force ten wind machine, Albania have few equals. This hot favourite from their forthcoming national selection could easily continue the trend and give them a strong chance of securing another spot in the finals.
Logia, by Elena Tsagkrinoi (Cyprus)
Speaking of playing to your strengths, the Cypriot delegation clearly know a winning strategy when they see it. After the success of Eleni Foureira and Tamta in the last two contests, they’ve nabbed another Greek diva to fly their flag in 2021, with the song El Diablo described as danceable uptempo pop. This, her biggest solo hit to date, may give an indication of what to expect.
Tartu, by Redel (Estonia)
There are certain members of the ESC Insight team who never quite got over the fact that Winny Puuh were denied their chance for a Eurovision moment in 2013. Eight years later, two members of the group are chancing their arm again with a tribute(?) to their country’s second city. It isn’t quite as out-there as Meiecundimees üks Korsakov läks eile Lätti, but then, few things are. It’s still unmistakably them, and could have the makings of a memorable performance at Eesti Laul next year.
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